Warriors Reload with Butler, Eyeing Conference Dominance

The Golden State Warriors have already made their largest roster addition for 2025–2026 as they enter the summer after losing in the second round of the playoffs.

Following four consecutive defeats to Minnesota due to star Stephen Curry's strained hamstring, the Warriors' excellent run came to an abrupt stop. The team's late-season surge was inspired by a midseason deal for Jimmy Butler.

It is now hoped that Golden State will have the core coach Steve Kerr needs to contend in the extremely competitive Western Conference after a complete season with Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green.

Mike Dunleavy, the general manager, said Friday that he thought Jimmy Butler's addition was a big step forward. He said that having Jimmy on the roster has given him greater confidence after being concerned about the absence of a trustworthy backup last season. He said the club is in a lot better position now than they were a year ago and will keep improving. Dunleavy stated that they would keep vying for titles as long as Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and their coach are playing at their peak.

Butler's arrival from Miami had an instant effect on the Warriors. When he made his debut in February, they were 25-26. With Butler and Curry in the lineup, the club finished 27-8 in the regular season, play-in tournament, and playoffs.

Prior to Curry suffering a hamstring injury during a Game 1 victory against the Timberwolves, the Warriors thought they might make another run for the championship.

The club didn't have enough offensive alternatives without its greatest player; thus, Golden State lost the following four games and couldn't prolong the series long enough for Curry to return.

Kerr highlighted Stephen Curry as the team's key player, likening him to the sun in their solar system and declaring that it will be difficult to replicate him anytime soon. He called any proposals to change their offensive strategy absurd, claiming that their existing strategy has proven to be quite successful. Curry is still playing at or close to his prime, making him one of the game's all-time greats, Kerr added. He came to the conclusion that they will stick to their existing plan, since deviating from it would be detrimental to the squad.

This offseason's main concerns center on completing the roster around the major three players, with Jonathan Kuminga's health being the most uncertain.

Before missing 31 games due to an ankle injury, Kuminga made a strong start to the season. When he returned, Kuminga found it difficult to fit in and played little, if at all, in the playoffs prior to Curry's injury. Butler was signed by the club while he was away.